I had become weary of the wrangling. Hallway conversations were undermining me and the church’s ministry. Ministry was suffering. People were suffering. I was suffering. Feeling like a failure I wondered whether or not I was wasting my life. I wanted out. I was developing quite a collection of unhealthy attitudes, including a tinge of martyrdom.

I complained to God constantly. My prayers had become whining sessions with God. They were open invitations for the Divine Audience to come to my pity party. At some point, God spoke. A voice in the heart? A thought? An impression out of the blue? I’m not sure, but there it was crystal clear and simple. “Stop whining! I called you. I will let you know when that changes. Until then, be faithful where you are. I am with you. Remember, you are working for me.” In the humor of God, I have a reminder on my bookshelf, given by a dear friend. It’s a plaque. It simply says, “Thou Shalt Not Whine”.

That’s when I discovered the power of the call.

It’s a staying power. I’m not paid to be a pastor. I am called to be a pastor. That’s the power of the call. Whether through an appointment system such as the United Methodist system, or a call system, I am deployed by God. That does not relieve me of my accountability with and to the local congregation. It’s not an ego trip. It’s not self righteousness. It is not arrogance.

It is not about me. It is about God’s grace, will and power. The call’s power lifts me above what is happening right now. It reminds me that I am not the failure often implied in conflict, disagreements; as well as those times when things simply don’t work well. It prevents me from taking credit for the successes. It prevents me from quitting when things are tough and people are not affirming. It holds me accountable when I do dumb things and make mistakes. It is rooted in God, not what is going on at any given time.

I still struggle with conflicts, self esteem issues, and times of debating my own competency. The ego times still pop up. I make mistakes and do dumb things. I wrestle with what to do next. I reflect on my past mistakes, wondering, “What was I thinking?” I occasionally wonder, “Does God ever revoke a call?” That level of questioning comes after the spectacular blunders of commission and omission.

When these wash over me, I remember my call and where it came from. I realize I am not called to take up permanent residency in these areas. My life verse is Philippians 1:6 which essentially says that what God begins in me, God will bring to completion. God doesn’t quit on me – or on any of us. That is the staying power of the call.

INTERSECTI NG – A monologue of meeting God.

It's Saturday December 19, 2009. We are getting our second 10-12 inches of snow. The roads are terrible. I have heard radio announcements canceling just about every church service for Sunday and some of Monday's services. The Sunday before Christmas is always a biggie. Children, pageants, cantatas, and for some churches, the offering makes the budget like Black Friday for businesses (usually). For some, the Sunday before Christmas is one of their infrequent Sundays when they go to church. What will they do tomorrow? How will pastors and planning committees adapt? What about the plans that will have to be cancelled? Will we pray at home? Watch a church service on tv or the net? Will their be caroling? How will they meet God? How will you meet God if your service is canceled on Sunday? The weather never cancels God showing up in our lives. That's the good news.
Merry Christmas, Bill

HEADS UP

In a few weeks, I am moving my blog to its own domain, theperplexedpastor.com. I will be expanding some of the features and trying some new things. The focus of the blog will remain the same. I will keep you updated and let you know when the switchover will take place.
Bill